Calling all retired teachers ... your wisdom is needed

District 44, Région du ciel bleu
News Release

********************

The members of Région du ciel bleu, District 44 of the Retired Teachers of Ontario/Enseignant.e.s retraités de l’Ontario (RTO/ERO), share a moment with active colleagues in all French language schools of Nipissing during Education Week, May 4-8. Throughout the week, staff of both Boards and 21 of their schools will be visited by a group of teacher retirees offering well wishes and sweet treats. The gesture is meant to demonstrate RTO/ERO’s appreciation and recognition of the dedicated active teachers & associate members devoted to our children and youth and to the retired teachers who continue to foster community growth.

As per provincial goals and objectives, all 47 RTO\ERO districts across Ontario, including two in British Columbia, pursue, promote and seek betterment by providing: an affordable health plan and benefits to its members; offering advocacy on social, political and economic issues and on behalf of all retirees and seniors lobbying in such areas as home care, property assessment and the National pharmaceutical strategy. Their growing membership of 62,000 retirees does many wonderful things, within Canada and elsewhere.

A program entitled Service to Others provides districts with funds to enable wilful members to initiate educational projects locally and abroad. District 44 and its 290 members became the first French language district in 2005. In this short period of time, Région du ciel bleu has sponsored three Service to Others projects to the benefit of three local organizations: (ALEC), a literacy program, the Autism Society of Ontario, Nipissing Chapter, Snoezelen in Sturgeon Falls, One Kids’ Place (french resources) and at the moment has an out of country project in the works.

On an annual basis, District 44’s Goodwill committee is mindful of its members and delivers a Xmas plant to honour each 80+ years member, an honorary certificate to each 25 year member, sympathy cards to families of departed members and birthday cards to all. Members are invited and encouraged to attend their general meetings and social activities: golf, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, walking, Xmas luncheons, etc. Giving of one’s time, talents, energies towards numerous charitable endeavours throughout the region are samples of volunteer efforts engaged by their members from River Valley to Mattawa.
As RTO/ERO says: Here for you Now...........Here for your Future!

********************